DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta Northlake: What to Know Before You Book

If you’re looking at DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake as a place to stay in the Atlanta area, you’re probably trying to figure out two things:

1. Is the location convenient for what I need to do in Atlanta?
2. What is it actually like to stay there compared with being downtown or in Buckhead?

This guide breaks down the hotel from an Atlanta-local perspective so you can decide whether it fits your trip or your day-to-day life in the metro area.

Where DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake Is Located

Neighborhood: Northlake / Tucker area, northeast of downtown Atlanta
General area description: Just off I-285 on the northeast side of the Perimeter

The DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake sits in the Northlake commercial district, which straddles parts of Tucker and unincorporated DeKalb County. It’s a hub for:

• Office parks and business centers
• Shopping plazas and chain restaurants
• Easy highway access via I-285 and LaVista Road

If you live in the metro area, think of it as the hotel you’d pick if you:

• Work in Tucker, Northlake, or Chamblee
• Need quick access to I-285 for getting around Atlanta
• Want to avoid downtown traffic and parking costs

If you’re visiting from out of town, expect a suburban, business-park environment, not a walkable “in the city” vibe like Midtown or Downtown.

Who This Hotel Typically Works Best For

While people stay here for all kinds of reasons, the DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake tends to be a good fit for:

Business travelers

This is a practical spot if you’re visiting:

• Corporate offices in the Northlake/Tucker area
• Office parks along LaVista Road, Northlake Parkway, or Henderson Mill Road
• Light industrial or commercial areas nearby in Doraville, Chamblee, or along the I-85 corridor

You get:

• Close access to I-285 for getting to Perimeter Center, Norcross, or Peachtree Corners
• A quieter environment than downtown
• Easy parking, which can be a hassle and expense closer to the city core

Local families and groups

Atlanta-area residents often look at Northlake hotels like this one for:

• Wedding guests who need a central place to stay near Tucker, Decatur, or Stone Mountain
• Family reunions where people are coming in from multiple directions via I-285 or I-85
• Youth sports tournaments at nearby fields and facilities in Tucker, Clarkston, or Decatur

The suburban setting can feel easier for groups that are driving everywhere instead of relying on MARTA rail.

Travelers wanting suburban rates with highway access

If you:

• Don’t mind a 20–25 minute drive to downtown (traffic permitting)
• Plan to rent a car or use rideshare
• Want to avoid some of the higher nightly rates and parking charges downtown or in Buckhead

…this area can be a reasonable compromise between cost and access.

Location Pros and Cons for Atlanta Plans

Here’s how DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake stacks up for major Atlanta destinations and activities.

Getting downtown, midtown, and around the city

From Northlake, you’re on the northeast arc of I-285, which means:

• To Downtown Atlanta: typically via I-285 to I-20 or down I-85, depending on traffic
• To Midtown: usually I-285 to I-85 south or surface streets such as LaVista Road/Briarcliff
• To Buckhead: I-285 west to GA-400 or south via I-85 and surface streets

Driving times can swing significantly with traffic, but many locals assume:

• Light traffic: roughly 20–30 minutes to most intown neighborhoods
• Rush hour: plan for 35–45 minutes or more, particularly if you’re headed toward downtown or Midtown in the morning or evening peak

There is no MARTA rail station within walking distance, so this hotel works best if you’re comfortable driving or using rideshare.

Access to Atlanta attractions

Here’s a quick overview of how Northlake lines up with popular Atlanta spots:

These are general expectations locals plan around, not guarantees. During major events or bad weather, it can take longer.

What the Immediate Area Around the Hotel Is Like

You won’t get a big-city streetscape here, but you do get convenience:

Nearby amenities

Within a short drive (and in some cases a reasonable walk), you’ll typically find:

• Chain restaurants and fast-casual options along LaVista Road and Northlake Parkway
• Grocery stores and pharmacies in the Northlake retail area
• Major retailers and service shops serving Tucker and North DeKalb

If you’re staying here as a local for a quick “home but away from home” weekend, you won’t have trouble finding everyday necessities.

Safety and feel

This is a typical Atlanta suburban-commercial corridor:

• Busy during weekday business hours
• Quieter in the evenings and on weekends
• Surrounded by office buildings, hotels, and shopping plazas

Visitors often find it more comfortable if they’re used to driving everywhere and don’t need nightlife or entertainment right outside the door.

Using DoubleTree Northlake as a Base for Exploring Atlanta

If you’re wondering whether this is a good “home base” to explore the city, consider:

When it works well

It can work well if you:

• Plan daytime trips into the city and want to return to a quieter area at night
• Are combining business in Northlake/Tucker with sightseeing on the side
• Want to visit Stone Mountain Park and also see a bit of downtown or Midtown
• Are visiting local family in Tucker, Decatur, Clarkston, or Chamblee

In those cases, the trade-off between lower-key suburban setting and reasonable highway access often feels acceptable.

When it may not be ideal

You might want to stay closer in if you:

• Want to walk to bars, restaurants, or attractions
• Plan to rely heavily on MARTA rail instead of driving
• Intend to spend most of your time in Downtown, Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, or Inman Park

In-town neighborhoods like Midtown, Downtown, or parts of Buckhead will typically serve you better for a car-light or nightlife-focused trip.

Local Tips for Staying in the Northlake Area

To make the most of a stay at DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake, these local-style tips help:

1. Plan around traffic 🔁

• Morning (7–9 a.m.) and evening (4–7 p.m.) are peak times on I-285 and I-85.
• If you’re driving into the city, leaving a bit earlier or later than rush hour can make a big difference.
• For shorter trips (like to Decatur), surface streets via LaVista Road or nearby arterials can sometimes be more predictable than hopping on I-285.

2. Use nearby “in-between” neighborhoods

You don’t have to go all the way to downtown or Midtown for a local feel. Close-in options include:

• Downtown Decatur – walkable, with independent restaurants, coffee shops, and a neighborhood square
• Tucker Main Street – small-town main street feel with local restaurants and community events
• Chamblee – more industrial and evolving, with a growing restaurant scene around Peachtree Road

These areas often give you a more “local” Atlanta experience without a long drive from Northlake.

3. Think about parking and driving comfort

Compared with staying downtown or near major event venues:

• You’re more likely to find free or lower-cost parking in Northlake and nearby suburbs.
• If you’re not used to tight garages and dense traffic, the suburban roads may feel easier to navigate.

However, when you do go into the city:

• Downtown and Midtown garages can be busy on event nights for games, concerts, or conventions.
• Allow extra time for parking and walking to where you’re going.

How Locals Might Use This Hotel

If you live in or near Atlanta, DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake can come in handy for more than just visiting relatives:

• Home renovation or storm damage: A temporary place to stay near your home in Tucker, Chamblee, or North DeKalb while work is done.
• “Half-staycation”: You might pair a night here with a day at Stone Mountain Park or a dinner in Decatur, while still staying fairly close to home.
• Event overflow: Helpful when hosting weddings, church events, or reunions in north DeKalb or Tucker and needing an additional hotel option for guests.

Alternatives by Atlanta Area (If Northlake Isn’t Quite Right)

If you’re still deciding whether Northlake is your best location, it can help to think in terms of other major “clusters” around the city:

• Downtown / GWCC / Stadium area – Best for conventions, State Farm Arena, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, and tourist-heavy trips with minimal driving.
• Midtown – Good mix of nightlife, dining, and MARTA access, close to Piedmont Park and the arts district.
• Buckhead – More upscale shopping and dining; still car-oriented but closer in than Northlake.
• Perimeter Center (Dunwoody/Sandy Springs) – Another suburban option with strong MARTA rail access and major office parks.
• Airport / College Park / Hapeville – For tight flight connections or short overnight stays near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Northlake stands out when you prioritize:

• Easy driving and parking
• Proximity to eastern and northeastern suburbs
• A quieter, business-oriented environment over nightlife or walkability

Practical Questions to Ask Yourself Before Booking

To decide if DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake is the right fit for your Atlanta plans, ask:

1. Will I have a car (or use rideshare often)?

   • If no, you’ll likely want somewhere closer to MARTA rail.

2. Where are most of my activities?

   • If they’re mainly around Tucker, North DeKalb, Stone Mountain, or Perimeter, Northlake can be convenient.
   • If they’re mostly in Downtown/Midtown/Buckhead, factor in commute time and parking.

3. Do I want a more “city” feel or a quieter suburban stopover?

   • Northlake is firmly in the suburban category.

4. Am I trying to keep lodging and parking costs lower?

   • Suburban hotels like this are often chosen by Atlantans and visitors for that balance.

Once you’re clear on those points, it becomes much easier to see whether DoubleTree Atlanta Northlake lines up with how you actually plan to use Atlanta—whether you’re living here, visiting, or hosting guests in the metro area.